Beltway Biz

The University of Virginia will begin offering an information technology certificate program at its Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church this fall.

The nine-month, seven-course program was designed by industry leaders for college graduates, career changers and other professionals interested in information systems. Coursework will cover Internet technologies, systems analysis, project management, Web design, computer programming, technology operations, financial management and quality assurance.

Program designers hope to train entry-level staff and midlevel managers capable of operating in the areas of systems analysis, information architecture, Web design and development, technical sales and marketing, quality assurance, client liaison and customer service, technical writing and administration. An open house for interested students will be held Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. at the center. For more information call (703) 536-1146 or e-mail robertr@virginia.edu.The Telecommunications Industry Association in Arlington, Va., opened an office in Brussels, Belgium, in July.

"TIA's presence in Brussels will facilitate access to the increasingly complex, as well as exciting, European market," said Eric Nelson, vice president of international affairs. The office will focus on policy and regulatory matters aimed at increasing market access for TIA's members.

With spending on telecommunications equipment in Western Europe expected to grow from $60 billion in 1998 to $100 billion by 2001, "the potential for U.S. suppliers is enormous," Nelson said.The Montgomery County, Md., Department of Economic Development hired Amy Finan as director of technology program development. She will be responsible for promoting high-technology business retention and development throughout the county.

Previously, Finan was the regional director of government relations for the National Association for Biomedical Research in Washington.